|
Waist circumference is a common measure used to assess abdominal fat content. The presence of excess body fat in the abdomen, when out of proportion to total body fat, is considered an independent predictor of risk factors and ailments associated with obesity.
What waist size is risky? Undesirable waist circumferences differ for men and women.
- Men are at risk who have a waist measurement greater than 40 inches (102 cm)
- Women are at risk who have a waist measurement greater than 35 inches (88 cm)
NOTE: If a person has short stature (under 5 feet in height) or has a BMI of 35 or above, waist circumference standards used for the general population may not apply.
WAIST-TO-HIP RATIO (WHR)
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is the ratio of a person's waist circumference to hip circumference, mathematically calculated as the waist circumference divided by the hip circumference. For most people, carrying extra weight around their middle increases health risks more than carrying extra weight around their hips or thighs. (NOTE: Overall obesity is still more risky than body fat storage locations or waist-to-hip ratio.)
What waist-to-hip ratio is considered risky?
For both men and women, a waist-to-hip ratio of 1.0 or higher is considered "at risk" or in the danger zone for undesirable health consequences, such as heart disease and other ailments connected with being overweight.
What is a good waist-to-hip ratio?
For men, a ratio of .90 or less is considered safe.
For women, a ratio of .80 or less is considered safe.
|
